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A Latent Addiction MAG

By Hannah L., Matthews, NC

I have recently been diagnosed with an addiction - to coffee. And I am not alone. This is a problem among Americans of all ages. The coffee shop has become a social staple in our culture. Its enticing aroma, cozy and inviting atmosphere, and sophisticated-sounding menu are difficult to resist, especially if you struggle with an addiction like mine.

But, when you look past the leather couches and coffees named after European cities, all you’ll find is coffee, milk, and a little caramel sauce. Anyone can buy an espresso maker and a container of CoffeeMate and create the same drink that, say, Starbucks does, for a lot less. The only difference between your homemade coffee and Starbucks is that they put it in a cute cup and throw on some whipped cream to convince us that we are treating ourselves to a well-deserved respite from the rigors of everyday life. And we believe them, too, and buy into the idea that drinking their coffee improves our quality of life.

So, next time “white chocolate mocha” begins echoing in your mind, you’ll have to make a decision: will you continue to be one of the millions of brainwashed Americans who live for their next trip to Starbucks, or will you rise above it? My advice: dare to resist and just say no.

I really enjoyed reading this, and I could relate this to my life. Reading your story opened my eyes, and I don't think I'm brainwashed on that topic, because I used to think that I treated myself when I bought that "good looking coffee."

I never knew there could be a serious addiction to coffee, your article was an eye opener on how society really does control us, even on what we like to drink. We are willing to pay such high amounts of money for a coffee just because it looks "cute". Stay strong Hannah!

I was really shocked about how coffee is similar to drug. I actually love coffee and everyday morning I always drink coffee. But now I should learn more about how coffee makes our body bad. But also I thought that anything is bad if you take too much. So the bes thing is to limit how much you take and eat more other food too.

This is so true. Coffee is an actual drug, but people don't list it along with cocaine or heroin because it doesn't have such drastic side effects. If it becomes an addiction to a substance, like you just proved coffee can be, it's a drug.

I feel a bit addicted to coffee sometimes, and indulge in Starbucks often, but I don't drink the 'frou frou' drinks such as lattes and frappacinos. I just drink coffee...so I actually make it at home a lot, too. And this is just my perception, but it seems like this article is more geared towards an addiction to Starbucks than it is to coffee. I don't mean to sound rude at all, and you can correct me if I'm wrong.

I totally agree. People just like to have everything everyone else has. Only difference is the price. Thats like a pair of rebok and jordans. Theyre both comforting shoes but Jordans are more popular so everyone tries to fit in.

I totally agree with you on that one. Coffee can be addicting but it's not like it's such a bad thing. If you want to make it at home then go ahead. Some people like making stuff at home or just going out and having coffee someplace.

I've never liked coffee, and I guess I've never considered it an addiction. But everything can be an addiction if you let it be, really. I mean, video games, electronics - kids are getting hooked on them, scientists are saying. Society these days!

My mom likes to say that coffee is the last legal drug in America. But I have to admit that the caffeine does wake you up in the morning. So are you in opposition to coffee itself and its effect on people, or the whole coffee industry preying on sleepy, gullible people who need coffee to continue on their fast paced, job competitive lives?

I was thinking the exact same thing so i looked it up..it is against their religion to drink anything HOT,and the time the book of mormons was written,coffee and tea were the majority of hot drinks,so,well,now you know

P.S it didnt really say why they cant,it said `hot drinks are not for the belly or body`,so..

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